World War II Honoree

Eugene Victor Mitchell

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Wise, Virginia

Honored By

Andy & Phyllis Mitchell

Relationship

Brother & Sister-in-law

HE SERVED DURING WORLD WAR II ABOARD SEVERAL NAVY VESSELS, THE USS NEW MEXICO, USS COLUMBIA AND THE USS PRINCETON. WHILE SERVING ABOARD THE USS PRINCETON HE PARTICIPATED IN SEVERAL OPERATIONS AND ENGAGEMENTS. THE MARIANA ISLANDS OPERATION, WHICH INCLUDED THE CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF SAIPAN, JUNE 11-24, 1944; BATTLE OF PHILIPPINE SEA, JUNE 19-20, 1944; THE CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF GUAM, JULY 12 THROUGH AUGUST 15, 1944; THE WESTERN CAROLINE ISLAND OPERATION, WHICH INCLUDED THE CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF SOUTHERN PALAU ISLAND, SEPTEMBER 6-14, 1944; ASSAULTS OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, SEPTEMBER 9-24, 1944; THE LEYTE OPERATION, WHICH INCLUDED THIRD FLEET SUPPORTING OPERATION OKINAWA OPERATION OCTOBER 11-14, 1944 AND THE VISAYA ATTACKS OCTOBER 24, 1944. IT WAS DURING THIS BATTLE THAT THE USS PRINCETON WAS HIT BY A BOMB FROM AN ENEMY AIRCRAFT AND SANK. FOLLOWING IS CITATIONS THAT HE RECEIVED FOR HIS SERVICES THAT DAY. AWARD OF BRONZE STAR MEDAL AND RIBBON BAR, PURPLE HEART AND A COMMENDATION FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE USS PRINCETON. IN ADDITION HE ALSO RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING: AMERICAN DEFENSE 'A', ASIATIC-PACIFIC WITH 3 STARS (SILVER) AMERICA AREA, VICTORY, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL AND PHILIPPINE LIBERATION WITH 2 STARS.